Chapter Fifty-Five: Securing a County for the First Time

“It’s all up to you, Master. Whatever you say, Lou Jin will do,” replied Lou Jin Dog earnestly.

Watching Lou Jin Dog’s serious demeanor, Shangguan Chuanyun was speechless; asking was pointless. Seeing him waiting for instructions, it was clear he could not be relied upon.

Shangguan Chuanyun pondered for a moment, then turned to Jia Cheng. “Manager Cheng, do you have any good suggestions?”

Jia Cheng considered the situation. The mess here needed handling; if Lou Jin Dog left with his pack, Lan Feng County would fall into chaos without anyone to govern it. With the wild dogs gone, other powers would rise, and disorder would reign again. If evildoers appeared, Lan Feng County might fare even worse than now. So he said, “Lou Jin cannot remain here. The townsfolk misunderstand him deeply, and now he has pledged loyalty to you, Master. He can lead the pack elsewhere to settle anew.

However, this place cannot be left unattended. First, to prevent troublemakers and scoundrels from preying on the populace, and second, to strengthen your influence, Master. We need only assemble a capable administrator for this place, supported by a few assistants—a soldier versed in military matters, and a hundred strong men. This will ensure Lan Feng’s security.”

“Excellent.” Shangguan Chuanyun clapped his hands. The suggestion was perceptive and practical. He said, “Then I’ll leave this in your hands, Manager Cheng.”

Jia Cheng glanced at Commander Wu and said, “I will need Commander Wu’s support.”

“Why is that?” Shangguan Chuanyun asked.

Jia Cheng explained, “Within a hundred miles, there’s no aid to be found. On entering the city, I noticed the Jia Trading Company’s insignia, so they’re likely available. The county’s population is barely ten thousand, so we can station at most five people here. That’s sufficient for governance.”

Jia Cheng looked at the skilled guards, well-versed in martial arts and military training, and continued, “Though our outpost managers know some martial arts for self-defense, they’re not trained to lead soldiers or maintain order. Thus, we must rely on Commander Wu’s support.”

He cupped his hands to Commander Wu in respect.

Shangguan Chuanyun turned to Commander Wu. Though Wu had his own duties, he greatly admired the Fourth Young Master’s abilities. Yet the command from Marquis Wu’an weighed upon him.

As a soldier, obeying orders was paramount. Regardless of circumstances, the superior’s command took precedence. He had not yet completed the Marquis’s order to escort the Fourth Young Master to the southern battlefield, so he hesitated; though reason and sentiment aligned, he was obliged to support this matter.

Without the Marquis’s explicit order, he might act on minor matters, but this clearly entailed a long-term stay, which, as a soldier, was unacceptable. Dying in battle was one thing, but acting without mission-related cause was not. Seeing the Fourth Young Master looking at him, he steeled himself and addressed Shangguan Chuanyun.

“This matter should be supported, Master, yet as a soldier, military orders are weightier than mountains. To reassign guards here, I lack both proper cause and the Marquis’s command. If a suitable reason can be found...”

Shangguan Chuanyun understood. The army operated with its own code, rigid to outsiders, but this discipline was the foundation of its formidable strength.

In his previous life, even a squad of soldiers would not move without their leader’s order; no matter if a general appeared, they would not budge. That was the rule.

He respected Commander Wu’s strict adherence to duty, and after thinking a while, said,

“This is also preparation for matters in the Southern Province.”

Though a soldier, Commander Wu was not inflexible. He wanted to hear what reason the Fourth Young Master would offer; orders given on campaign might be disobeyed, but upon returning, he would need to justify his actions or face military discipline.

Thus, he was eager to hear the Fourth Young Master’s rationale, even if it was a stretch—he would risk punishment to support him.

Jia Cheng, Jia Liang, and the others were also curious. Though knowledgeable in military affairs, they sympathized with Commander Wu’s concerns. They knew their master’s insights were unique and unconventional, but wondered what reason he would present this time.

Shangguan Chuanyun saw everyone watching him. As for Lou Jin Dog wagging his tail nearby, he consciously ignored him, organized his thoughts, and spoke.

“Though the southern uprising seems isolated, it is not. From a strategic perspective, it affects the whole nation.”

Everyone watched Shangguan Chuanyun in curiosity. The rebellion was local, but unrest flickered throughout the land—his words carried a ring of truth.

“At present, imperial edicts rarely leave Shengjing, and monsters and demons wreak havoc everywhere. The situation is dire, though none have become dominant; most trouble only their region.”

The group fell silent, pondering. It was precisely because of this that they had banded together—to resist the increasingly chaotic times.

Shangguan Chuanyun continued, “Though my father is quelling the southern rebellion with ten thousand troops against three hundred thousand insurgents, plus dozens of bandit factions, the outcome is uncertain.”

Commander Wu sighed. He knew the task was perilous; failure could mean total annihilation, but orders could not be disobeyed. If defeated, he would only die on the field.

Shangguan Chuanyun glanced at Lan Feng County and said, “If we travel by water, it’s easier; we just follow the army’s route, and all spirits and demons scatter before us.

But to march by land, nearly a thousand miles to the southern border, from less than a hundred miles out of Shengjing we’ve already encountered thousands of refugees; a hundred and fifty miles southward, evil cults have shaved their heads, Lan Feng’s people live in fear, then wolf demons block the road. The path ahead is fraught with unknown dangers.

If, however, we reclaim each place we pass, by the time we reach the south, we’ll have ten or more territories under our control. We will exterminate monsters, restore order, let the people live in peace. This will not only strengthen our power, but is also a great deed. Even if my father’s campaign in the Southern Province is stalled, he can retreat to the Central Province, regroup, train soldiers, and return in force.

Even if my father is locked in stalemate in the south, with supplies and reinforcements, he can hold out and avoid defeat from lack of provisions and manpower.”

Jia Cheng nodded inwardly. The argument was brilliant. To break from the court and develop independently would be rebellion, and even rebellion was justified so nobly—truly the Fourth Young Master’s thinking was astounding. Still, as long as he followed orders, he’d share in the rewards.

Jia Cheng smiled and looked at Commander Wu.

Commander Wu considered and agreed. For their army of ten thousand to survive, they needed not only enough rations and advanced equipment, but ongoing recruits. This was the only way. He nodded and said, “Yes. I will leave three guards here to train soldiers and will report the reason to the Marquis upon my return.”

“Good. If it can be reported to my father, all the better. We don’t know what dangers await us on this journey; if we can request several hundred elite soldiers, the endeavor will succeed.”

He asked, “Is there a confidential means of contact?”

“No, we did not bring carrier pigeons on this trip. The courier stations are too insecure,” replied Commander Wu.

Jia Cheng interjected, “Master, I may have a solution.”

“Oh? What is it?”

Jia Cheng thought for a moment and said, “We can notify nearby Jia Trading Company branches in the Southern Province to relay messages.”

Shangguan Chuanyun considered this feasible, but what reason should be given? Claiming rebellion might lead his father to punish him for treason. But monsters blocking the roads—yes, that was it. He said, “Let’s use that method. Say that monsters block the road and that I need a hundred elite soldiers under my command—to hone military skills, and to swiftly eradicate the monsters and bring peace to the region.”

“Yes, Master.” Jia Cheng turned to arrange matters, first gathering the local branch managers and then writing Shangguan Chuanyun’s request in coded symbols on paper, sending off three carrier pigeons.

Commander Wu then instructed three guards to remain and assist in training the troops, to restore order as quickly as possible.

Before long, five people arrived from afar. At the forefront was the local manager, followed by four clerks sent from the Jia family. Their loyalty was unquestionable; otherwise, they would not be posted here.

They paid their respects to Shangguan Chuanyun. Jia Cheng and Commander Wu gathered them, assigned tasks, and, once they understood their duties, entered the county office to draft documents and post notices.

Shangguan Chuanyun soon left Lan Feng County with his retinue. This time, three guards were gone, but dozens of dogs, large and small, trailed behind.

Inside Shangguan Chuanyun’s carriage lay a golden-haired, two-foot-long lion dog, round and fluffy; this was Lou Jin Dog in his true form. His golden fur was soft, and the name Lou Jin Dog suited him well.

From behind came the sound of drums and gongs, and the jubilant cheers of the people—Lan Feng County was celebrating. Shangguan Chuanyun smiled.

Suddenly, the carriage curtain fluttered, and a paper crane flew in. Lou Jin Dog immediately stood, fur bristling, blocking Shangguan Chuanyun and staring at the crane.

Shangguan Chuanyun patted Lou Jin Dog to reassure him. Lou Jin Dog, enjoying the touch, rubbed against his hand and lay back down.

The paper crane flew to Shangguan Chuanyun, who extended his hand and recited a spell. The crane landed in his palm, and Shangguan Chuanyun infused it with his spiritual sense.

After a while, he came to himself; the crane was from Ren the Daoist, bearing good news.

Its message revealed that Ren the Daoist had already uncovered the truth behind the Mummy Buddha in Nanguo County. During the destruction of the Grand Forest Temple in the previous dynasty, a cultivated yellow weasel had stolen the ‘Threefold Breaking Canon,’ learned its Pure Land methods, and, in its haste, bypassed enlightenment, instead forcibly converting people, causing them to lose their minds and selves, focusing only on Buddha.

Ultimately, it had converted the entire county’s population by these means. Ren the Daoist, knowing its origins and skilled in thunder magic that specialized in vanquishing demons, had subdued the Mummy Buddha, but was unsure how to govern and manage the aftermath, and sought guidance from Shangguan Chuanyun.